Reactant Bonds

Definition

Reactant bonds refer to those existing between atoms within reactants before any kind of chemical reaction takes place. These are typically broken during reactions and new bonds are formed in the products.

Related terms

Product Bonds:

These are the bonds that exist between atoms within the products after a chemical reaction has taken place.

Activation Energy:

This is the minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction - essentially, it's what's needed to break those initial reactant bonds!

Catalyst:

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering its activation energy, making it easier for reactant bonds to break and reform into product bonds.